404 Ink signs first international rights deal with Goldblum Variations

404 Ink has sold its flash fiction favourite The Goldblum Variations to Penguin Books, marking the indie publisher's first international rights deal.

Penguin Books USA assistant editor Shannon Kelly bought world rights, including Australia and New Zealand but excluding the UK, to Helen McClory’s book and will publish in the US later this year.

The collection follows the adventures of Jeff Goldblum and alternate versions of himself as he travels the universe. It will be released with brand new content, which 404 Ink will be republishing in the UK to coincide with international publication in October 2019.

McClory said: “I'm delighted that Penguin has chosen to pick up The Goldblum Variations and can't wait to share the Gospel of Goldblum absurdism with a new audience.”

Heather McDaid from 404 Ink added: “We’ve been working with Helen for a couple of years and it’s been a particular joy to work with her on her various iterations of The Goldblum Variations. It’s a bitesize but incredibly fun book, and we’re thrilled that Penguin will be helping bring the gift of Goldblum to many more people.”

Written initially in a day, the book began life as a break for McClory from writing the dark Mayhem & Death (404 Ink). The Goldblum Variations has since proved a hit for the author, helped by the actor himself reading stories from the collection while performing with his band the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

Kelly said: “We at Penguin Books are so excited to be collaborating with 404 Ink and Helen McClory on bringing The Goldblum Variations to North America and beyond. In addition to being hilarious, Helen is an incredible literary talent, and I feel fortunate that in this vast multiverse I live in a timeline that contains both her wonderful writing and the sensation that is Jeff Goldblum.”